Ontario to receive $80 million rail signalling solution

The Canadian province of Ontario has partnered with Thales Canada to develop the next generation of rail signalling solutions for the region’s railways.

The province, which is home to almost half of Canada’s full time R&D personnel, will invest up to $12 million through the Jobs and Prosperity Fund with the overall project investment value set to reach approximately $80 million.

Ontario to invest $12 million on rail signalling solution

With more than $14 billion spent annually on R&D, Ontario will support plans to upgrade its mass rail signalling products to improve transit safety and sharpen its global competitive edge. The project will create 126 jobs in the province and retain another 963 over five years.

Brad Duguid, Minister of Economic Development, Employment and Infrastructure said: “By welcoming businesses who invest in Ontario, we are able to fulfil our number-one priority of growing the economy and creating jobs. Our support for Thales in Canada will help it ramp up its research and development work and leverage new and innovative technologies.”

The project will focus on research and advanced engineering to develop Canada’s Communication-based Train Control (CBTC) solutions for mass transit, including subways, light rail and commuter rail systems.

Mark Halinaty, President and CEO, Thales Canada Inc., added: “We are pleased to partner with Ontario as we develop the next generation of rail signalling solutions. The province’s welcoming investment environment and talented workforce have encouraged us to expand our operations here.”